| Myrtle Beach Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| State | South Carolina, USA |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Daily Budget | $80 to $300+ per person |
| Best Time | April to May, September to October |
| Getting There | Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) |
Myrtle Beach is the classic American beach vacation. Sixty miles of sandy coastline along the Grand Strand, a boardwalk with rides and arcades, over 80 golf courses, and enough restaurants and shows to fill a week. It is unabashedly commercial and proud of it: mini-golf courses on every block, all-you-can-eat seafood buffets, and souvenir shops selling shark teeth and airbrushed t-shirts. But behind the kitsch, the beaches are genuinely beautiful, the seafood is fresh, and the area delivers excellent family vacation value.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach
April through May and September through October are the sweet spots with warm weather (70s to 80s F), swimmable water, lower hotel rates, and thinner crowds. Summer (June through August) is peak season: hot (90s F), crowded, and the most expensive. Spring break (March) brings college crowds. Winter is mild (50s F) and very quiet, with the lowest prices and many seasonal businesses closed.
Getting to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) has direct flights from many East Coast and Midwest cities. From Charleston, it is about 2 hours north. From Charlotte, about 3.5 hours. A car is helpful for getting between areas of the Grand Strand but not strictly necessary if you stay at a beachfront resort.
Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
- The Boardwalk and SkyWheel: A 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk with the 200-foot SkyWheel ($17 per ride), arcades, and restaurants. The boardwalk comes alive in the evening with lights and entertainment.
- Beach Time: 60 miles of sandy beaches. The main Myrtle Beach strand has the most people and activity. Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach to the south are quieter. Pawleys Island at the southern end is the most peaceful.
- Golf: Over 80 courses along the Grand Strand, earning the area the title Golf Capital of the World. Public courses range from $30 to $150 per round. Spring and fall are the best golf seasons.
- Broadway at the Beach: A massive entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, and seasonal attractions built around a lake.
- Brookgreen Gardens: A stunning sculpture garden and nature preserve in Murrells Inlet with over 2,000 sculptures in a former plantation setting. One of the most peaceful spots in the area. $22 per adult.
- Seafood: The Grand Strand has hundreds of seafood restaurants. Calabash-style (lightly battered fried seafood) is the local specialty. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a waterfront restaurant row.
Where to Stay
The central Myrtle Beach boardwalk area has the most action and oceanfront hotels ($80 to $250 per night). North Myrtle Beach is slightly more upscale and less crowded ($100 to $300). Surfside Beach and Garden City are family-friendly and quieter ($80 to $200). Pawleys Island at the southern end is the most laid-back ($100 to $250). Vacation rental condos are popular and often cheaper than hotels for families.
Sample 3-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary
- Day 1 – Beach and Boardwalk: Morning on the beach. Afternoon at the boardwalk: SkyWheel, arcades, and boardwalk food. Evening seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
- Day 2 – Golf or Nature: Morning golf round or visit Brookgreen Gardens. Afternoon back at the beach or at Broadway at the Beach for shopping and Ripley’s Aquarium. Evening at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for dinner.
- Day 3 – Explore the Strand: Drive to a quieter beach (Pawleys Island or Huntington Beach State Park). Morning shelling or fishing off a pier. Afternoon mini-golf (a Grand Strand tradition). Farewell Calabash-style seafood dinner.
Budget Estimate
Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable beach destinations in the eastern US. Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $130 per day with a budget hotel or vacation rental, casual dining ($8 to $15 per meal), and free beach time. Mid-range travelers should plan for $150 to $250 covering an oceanfront hotel, seafood restaurants, a few paid attractions, and golf. All-inclusive condo packages with kitchen facilities help families save significantly on food costs.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Myrtle Beach trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the cheapest time to visit Myrtle Beach?
January through February has the lowest hotel rates, but many attractions are closed and the weather is cool. For the best value with warm weather and open attractions, visit in September through October or April through early May.
Is Myrtle Beach too crowded?
Peak summer (especially July 4th week) and spring break are very crowded. The boardwalk area is always the busiest. For a quieter experience, stay south of Myrtle Beach in Surfside, Garden City, or Pawleys Island. Mornings on the beach are always less crowded.
Is Myrtle Beach family-friendly?
Very. The entire Grand Strand is built around family entertainment. Broadway at the Beach, the aquarium, mini-golf courses, and the boardwalk all cater to families. The beaches are wide and generally safe for children. Some areas of the boardwalk get rowdy at night during peak season.